Category: Shepparton Botanic Gardens

June - Goulburn River and the Shepparton Botanic Gardens

16/6/2024

Some early fog cleared to a fine day just right for walking, as we set off for Shepparton. Our group of eleven found each other at Victoria Lake after some discussion over maps (and toilet blocks!). A pleasant walk along the Goulburn River saw us skirting the well maintained caravan park, heading further along to observe the junction of the Goulburn and Broken Rivers, then crossing the suspension bridge to the Gardens. After scaling Honeysuckle Rise, some of us took the longer way back around the edge of the gardens, and then all settled in for a picnic lunch. With plenty of bird life to look at, we walked a total of about 7.5km for the day.

Images and photo story... Andi Stevenson

Julie McNeill

August - Victoria Lake to Shepparton Botanic Gardens

26/8/2022

The weather gods smiled on us again, as nine walkers set off along the Goulburn River from Victoria Lake. With heavy rain the previous night, and hail the night after, we enjoyed the fine weather and the fast flowing rivers. The Gardens provided plenty of interest, with the views from Honeysuckle Rise, extensive wetlands, and some early spring flowers coming out. With our picnic lunch serenaded by a friendly magpie, it was a pleasant 8km of walking before the rain set in again.

Wednesday 7th September, Mt Pilot

For this walk, we will be returning to Mt Pilot, and then enjoying a picnic lunch at Woolshed Falls. The walk along Old Coach Rd to the Mt Pilot lookout is approx 6km return, with some gently sloping rises. The waterfalls at the Woolshed should be flowing well, so we can do some more exploring there after lunch.

We will leave the Seniors’ carpark, Fawckner Dve, at 9.30am, driving to Beechworth and continuing on the Chiltern Rd. Please confirm with Glen on 0431201077 or [email protected] by Monday 5th September.

Remember a picnic lunch, hat etc and some comfortable shoes. Walking poles are also recommended.

Car sharing for all walks is usually available for a small contribution.

Wednesday 5th October, Warby-Ovens National Park, Friends Track and Wildflowers

It will be third time lucky for this walk, led by Margaret and Lyn but delayed over the past two years by heavy rain and by Covid. One for the wildflower enthusiasts,we will leave Benalla at 9.30am for Wenhams Camp, taking the Friends Track with a diversion to Kwat Kwat Lookout with views over the Ovens Valley to the alps. The track passes a stand of iconic grass trees, through forested granite hills and spring wildflowers, for a walk of approx 2 hours. Lunch will be a BYO picnic at Wenhams Camp. Folding chairs,walking poles and cameras/magnifying glasses are all recommended for this much anticipated walk.

Julie McNeill

April - Cremona Bridge; coming up - Jamieson, then Shepparton

25/4/2022

April - Cremona Bridge

With the threatened rain holding off, seventeen walkers set out from the former Cathkin Railway Station for the much anticipated Cremona Bridge. This is an early design of Sir John Monash, and there was much discussion of the history and construction-thank you, Andi, for providing us with newspaper articles and other documents from Trove!

Enjoying morning tea and a lovely view over the Goulburn at the bridge, we then returned to Yarck for lunch. The vanilla slices of the Giddy Goat cafe were especially popular.

All up, a pleasant walk of approx 6 kms, which some of us extended after lunch by a walk to the old Yarck goods siding. Thanks to Andi and to Bev for photos (see previous post), and to Andi for some excellent research!

Wednesday May 4th: Jamieson

For this walk, Wende will be sharing her knowledge of the Jamieson and Goulburn river environs. Walking approx 8km total,lunch will be byo picnic, although the general store may have some takeaway.

We will be ready to leave the Seniors’ carpark, Fawckner Dve, by 9am. Please confirm with Glenys by Monday 2nd May on 0431 or [email protected]. Remember to bring lunch if needed,snacks, a drink and comfortable shoes.

Wednesday 1st June: Victoria Lake to Shepparton Botanic Gardens

We have previously explored the amazing Botanic Gardens, but on this walk, with the opening of the suspension bridge, we can walk from Victoria Lake to the gardens. A total of approx 8kms, we will again leave the Seniors’ carpark at 9am. Please confirm with Glen by May 30th.

Car sharing for all walks is usually available, with a small contribution.

Julie McNeill

About Easywalks

Easywalks is a group for those who have enjoyed bushwalking in the past and for anyone interested in exploring the amazing tracks, trails and lookouts within about an hour's drive of Benalla.

Meeting monthly, the day will include a walk of about 8km, a picnic or cafe lunch and very often include sites of historical or botanical interest. In recent times trips have included an Italian ossuary, one of Sir John Monash's earliest bridges, and some great wildflower photography on the rocky ledges of Mt Pilot.

Participants should be able to walk at a reasonable pace on well defined tracks, without a lot of climbing. Sturdy shoes
are essential! You will also need to carry a small daypack with lunch, drinks etc as needed.

While Covid and adverse weather have tested us to our limits, we have managed many memorable walks - and lots of talking!

Meeting times

1st Wednesday of the month from March.

Meeting times are usually at 9.30am, with the convenor notified of attendance three days prior.

We leave from the carpark behind the Seniors Complex (U3A), Fawckner Drive, Benalla. Car sharing is usually available with a small cost.

Please note - Meeting times depend on the season and weather conditions or as determined by the walk leader. Check the U3A Newsletter and confirm any details with the walk leader.

Convenor and contact details

Julie McNeill
0407 823 031

Thank you,Glen

Thank you Glen Chessells for co-convening Easy Walks during 2021-2022!